May 2010 Notable Toys — Gifts

Kids follow the numbered pattern to create sparkling greeting cards to send to friends and family. They can be used for birthdays, holidays or just to make someone feel special. "To make the Pretty Cards even prettier, we die-cut the front of the card, so tiles placed on the inside pop out of the front when the card is closed!" Damien Crocker, U.S. Specialty Sales Manager, The Orb Factory Limited, told TDmonthly. Launch date: March 15, 2010.

Gift givers can add their personal touch by filling the "secret compartments" with gifts. To discover each surprise, the recipient opens the lid doors and punches through the tissue. First, assemble the box. Then, wrap your gifts in the tissue and "STUFF" the 24 secret compartments. This patent-pending products is made in the USA. Launch date: November 7, 2009.

This simple project from The Little Experience includes everything kids need to create this cute, clever key chain character. Pre-cut felt pieces are hand-stitched together using two colors of embroidery floss from the kit, and then stuffed and attached to the included metal keyring. 

One of six collectible characters in The Little Experience's line of Stitch-It Keyrings, this puppy is a simple project that children do from start to finish. The pre-cut felt pieces of the puppy are embellished with other felt shapes in the kit, hand-stitched together, and stuffed with batting. The kit includes everything necessary to finish the craft.

At bedtime, kids can use these 96-page memory books  to draw and write about their day with their parents. The books have a lenticular 3D/motion front cover. Launch date: February 2010.

This set includes an apron (size 4-8), an adjustable cotton chef's hat, and a silicone flower trivet. It is machine washable. "The included child-size hat and silicone trivet make this kit one-of-a-kind. Kids can really dress to play the part, and use the trivet to help in the kitchen or use for pretend play," Lisa Grass, Graphic Designer, Sassafras Enterprises Inc., told TDmonthly. Launch date: May 2010.

In bed at night, Amy peers from under her covers at the dark shadows on the wall. But what is that flicker of light from the window? As she discovers the source of the mysterious light in her own backyard, she also learns something important about herself. The light, like many things in life, is something to be treasured but not contained, appreciated but always free. Inspiration for the book came to Robert Nutt, author and illustrator, one summer evening when he and his wife were walking and came upon a house with a yard full of dancing, flickering firefly lights. At that moment, he knew he would write about it. The photo illustrations are his own daughter, Amy. Launch date: March 2010.

TDmonthly Review:

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This patent-pending toy is comprised of a ball and a rope. The ball is attached to one end of the rope. The challenge and fun is to, by holding the rope at one end and with a one-hand motion, cause a knot in the rope. Launch date: June 30, 2010.

Thirty magnetic double Y-pieces click together to form a fun soccer-ball shape, appealing to sports fan as well as creative individuals. The distinctively angled pieces can be put together to create inventive shapes, and the creativity guidebook offers ideas and inspiration for the imagination. "This creativity tool appeals to all ages and can be used at home, at work, and in school to spark the imagination," Lynn Araujo, Communications Director, Creative Whack Company, told TDmonthly. Launch date: February 15, 2010.

Chibi is defined in the Urban Dictionary as a Japanese anime word describing endearingly cute little characters with oversized heads and big engaging eyes. Our anime-influenced Chibi Zoo babies are made from soft, 100-percent polyester velour, embellished with embroidery, and filled with fluffy polyester fibers. They have big black eyes, are approximately 10” tall, and each baby has his or her animal name in Japanese embroidered on the bottom of one foot. Launch date: December 15, 2009.

Users can light up the day and night with BLINGKEEZ, a fun, multi-use light with 10 LED bulbs. The 2.5" sphere features three light settings (disco strobe, party flash, all on), an 18" lanyard with a breakaway safety clasp, and automatic shut-off. Launch date: February 14, 2010.

An ideal piece of desk art, the Hi-Tec Art Cube plugs in to offer a 3-D animated light display that will run for 45 minutes performing various patterns and designs. "The light displays are mind blowing and really shows off how technology is growing at a fast rate!" Roy Smith, CEO, Hi-Tec Art, LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: January 5, 2010.

The Princess Money Manager coin bank promotes to girls the financial fundamentals of saving, spend wisely and sharing. "Its beautiful and practical design inspires girls and gets them excited about learning how to save money," Carolyn Grossi, President, Little Flower Products LLC, told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 12, 2009.

Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace." Dog Tag Necklaces are available in brown, pink, aqua, lavender and green. Launch date: 2009.

Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace." Journals are available in Sweet Treats, Groovy Girl, Meet the Monsters and Smiley themes. Launch date: 2009.

Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace."® The magnetic Framin' the Moment freestanding dry-erase boards double as a photo holder with the use of Snap Caps. It is available in Birthday Girl, Groovy Day, Camp and Soccer themes. Launch date: 2010.

Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace." This collection covers all 12 signs of the zodiac with a distinctive, colorful design for each.

Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace."® The company offers custom designs to support local schools, along with coordinating Huggers. Designs may have the school colors and logo, as well as a coordinating rhinestone.

Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace." Cupcakes and ice cream cones with a bit of sparkles make this a tasteful collection.
— In a September 2010 TDmonthly survey, six of 44 retailers cited Snap Caps as a jewelry and accessory top seller. One claimed sales of over 100 per month.

Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace." Designs in this collection include colorful fish, a starfish, flip flops and a beach tote.

Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace." Smiley faces, peace signs, bright colors and messages of love and hope keep things groovy in this collection.

Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace." This adorable collection features fun-loving monsters against colorful backgrounds.

Snap Caps are "the original, interchangeable bottle cap necklace." This collection taps into love, peace and flowers.

Fist Bumps are enormous inflatable fists that are used for fist bumping. Pass them out at parties or take them to a sporting event, they are great for getting autographs on and also make for excellent noisemakers and seat cushions.